Sheridan and Chabal set for cup action

1 November 2007 16:50pm

Sale fans will get the chance to see two of the World Cup's biggest stars in action after director of rugby Phillips Saint-Andre handed starts to Andrew Sheridan and Sebastien Chabal for the EDF Energy Cup clash with Bath.

Sheridan, whose muscular play in the pack made him one of the dominant figures in England's surprise charge to the final, and Chabal - who was used by then France coach Bernard Laporte as a highly-effective impact player during the tournament - come in to strengthen a forward eight shorn of three internationals.

Back-row Magnus Lund, lock Chris Jones and versatile Scotland forward Jason White are all out with knee injuries, with White only expected to miss one game and the England pair - neither of whom made Brian Ashton's World Cup squad - facing a month on the sidelines.

Saint-Andre was understandably pleased to recall Sheridan and Chabal and told www.salesharks.com: "We welcome back our World Cup internationals for this game and it's a game we have to win.

"If we do, we could still qualify for the semi-final stages. Bath have started the season well and won their opening group game against Leicester Tigers last week.

"We have all ready played them this season and although we led late in the game we were beaten by a late penalty.

"Games against Sale Sharks and Bath are always exciting games to watch and I am sure tomorrow will be no different."

One selection issue remains undecided, with Saint-Andre yet to decide whether Charlie Hodgson - who also failed to make Ashton's party due to injury - will be handed a start.

"I will make my mind up on whether to start with Charlie Hodgson or Lee Thomas at fly-half tomorrow," said the Frenchman.

Captain Dean Schofield, Rory Lamont (both ankle) and Mark Cueto (calf) are also out for the Sharks, with Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe leading the side.

Bath, meanwhile, are seeking their sixth win in a row in all competitions and will be looking for Steve Borthwick, who lost his starting berth in France to the fine form of Simon Shaw, to lead them to victory.

Hooker Lee Mears is back in the squad for the first time this season but starts on the bench, while Michael Stephenson is brought in at full back for Nick Abendanon.

Ryan Grant displayed some impressive singing skills while on tour with the British & Irish Lions. The full release of Lions Raw will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray from October 28th. Pre-order on Amazon.

This clip featuring Simon Zebo will whet your appetite ahead of the much anticipated release of 'Lions Raw', the official Behind the Scenes documentary of the successful 2013 Tour. Full release on October 28th and available on DVD and Blu-Ray.